FarmHer Puts Sustainability to Work
An upcoming episode of “FarmHer on RFD-TV” shares the story of a female grower and her family’s successful commitment to sustainability.
Annie Dee says she’ll “talk agriculture” with anyone who will listen. That’s why she jumped at the opportunity to be featured in an episode of “FarmHer on RFD-TV” when Syngenta invited her. The episode showcasing Dee and her family-owned Dee River Ranch near Aliceville, Alabama, airs during the television show’s fourth season, which begins this fall.
Syngenta has been a sponsor of “FarmHer on RFD-TV” since its inaugural season in 2016. The series shares the multifaceted stories of women in agriculture.
“Syngenta gave us the ability to really get going and has been a very important part of our success,” says Marji Guyler-Alaniz, president and founder of FarmHer. “The women Syngenta recommends for feature episodes reflect the commitment females bring to agriculture. Annie is so passionate and knowledgeable about farming—and it shows.”
Syngenta became involved to highlight the variety of career paths and the diversity of agriculture, says Wendell Calhoun, communications manager of marketing services at Syngenta. It’s also been an opportunity to showcase the contributions women are making to improve the future of the industry.
In 2017, Syngenta sponsored the No-Till Innovator Awards. Dee and her 4,000-acre row-crop operation won the award in the crop protection category. The family has been no-till farming for more than 20 years. They also were early adopters of cover crops. The combination of both practices has increased soil-organic matter more than threefold, Dee says. The conservation practices also have significantly increased water-holding capacity and soil health.
In addition to the row-crop operation, Dee’s family has a 1,000-head herd of Brahman-Angus cattle. The crossbred cattle fit into the ranch’s sustainability program. Brahmans tolerate heat and insects well, and Angus are known for their high-quality meat.
Dee says she’s looking forward to sharing with FarmHer viewers her insights into how her family strives to achieve sustainability and meet the ever-changing demands of agriculture.
Syngenta has been a sponsor of “FarmHer on RFD-TV” since its inaugural season in 2016. The series shares the multifaceted stories of women in agriculture.
“Syngenta gave us the ability to really get going and has been a very important part of our success,” says Marji Guyler-Alaniz, president and founder of FarmHer. “The women Syngenta recommends for feature episodes reflect the commitment females bring to agriculture. Annie is so passionate and knowledgeable about farming—and it shows.”
Syngenta became involved to highlight the variety of career paths and the diversity of agriculture, says Wendell Calhoun, communications manager of marketing services at Syngenta. It’s also been an opportunity to showcase the contributions women are making to improve the future of the industry.
.@FarmHer1, sponsored by @SyngentaUS, shares the story of grower's commitment to #sustainability.
“Like many of the FarmHers featured on the show, Annie’s mission in agriculture resonates with Syngenta,” Calhoun says of Dee’s commitment to sustainable agriculture practices. “We highlight individuals whose tremendous contributions in agriculture reflect our core values and principles as an organization.”
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In 2017, Syngenta sponsored the No-Till Innovator Awards. Dee and her 4,000-acre row-crop operation won the award in the crop protection category. The family has been no-till farming for more than 20 years. They also were early adopters of cover crops. The combination of both practices has increased soil-organic matter more than threefold, Dee says. The conservation practices also have significantly increased water-holding capacity and soil health.
“With our heavy clay soil, that capacity has helped keep us sustainable,” Dee says. “We’ve also saved time, labor and fuel. Sustainability requires economic as well as environmental and social components. Those must be in balance to be sustainable.”“Like many of the FarmHers featured on the show, Annie’s mission in agriculture resonates with Syngenta. We highlight individuals whose tremendous contributions in agriculture reflect our core values and principles as an organization.”
In addition to the row-crop operation, Dee’s family has a 1,000-head herd of Brahman-Angus cattle. The crossbred cattle fit into the ranch’s sustainability program. Brahmans tolerate heat and insects well, and Angus are known for their high-quality meat.
Dee says she’s looking forward to sharing with FarmHer viewers her insights into how her family strives to achieve sustainability and meet the ever-changing demands of agriculture.
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